When is it too late in the year to get new chicks?

[corriemartin]

I think I'm crazy, but I want to get a new batch of chicks. My first batch is just about to start laying, but I don't think I have enough. We also don't have a rooster (and I really want a rooster). Our local feed store is having a chick day on August 1st (and we can pre-order on Thursday and Friday), but is it too late in the summer? When is too late????

 

[Cheeki]

I’ve had chicks hatch in October and they were fine. It just depends on you and the willingness to deal with a brooder and such.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You can get them in time for them to have pretty good growth before it gets really cold.

I am west of you in Colorado so while not identical weather it is similar I think.

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

I would think about where you live, I like to have enough time personally to grow them up to 4-5 months before it gets cold, fully feathered and close to *maybe* laying age, so I know they're adult enough from there on to be good during the winter, despite the mild Winters I get here but that's just how I like to do it!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Personally i say it's never too late as long as you can provide warmth necessary for them

 

[sourland]

It's never too late as long as you can provide adequate environmental control. Sometimes 'late' raised chicks do not lay until the following spring unless supplemental lighting is provided.

 

[aart]

I think I'm crazy, but I want to get a new batch of chicks. My first batch is just about to start laying, but I don't think I have enough. We also don't have a rooster (and I really want a rooster). Our local feed store is having a chick day on August 1st (and we can pre-order on Thursday and Friday), but is it too late in the summer? When is too late????

If this is your first year with chickens, I'd wait...get thru your first winter.
Integrating more birds is another learning curve....and it takes 'extra' space.
But if you have plenty of space both in coop and run,
consider setting up to brood in the coop, easiest way to integrate new chicks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[corriemartin]

If this is your first year with chickens, I'd wait...get thru your first winter.
Integrating more birds is another learning curve....and it takes 'extra' space.
But if you have plenty of space both in coop and run,
consider setting up to brood in the coop, easiest way to integrate new chicks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

I was thinking about housing them completely separately, so two completely different batches--one in the home coop and yard, and the other in the chicken tractor and electro-fence. And yes, it probably would be wisest to wait, but.....

 

[corriemartin]

Personally i say it's never too late as long as you can provide warmth necessary for them

Seems like the warmth (now, anyway) wouldn't be a problem, seeing how it will be August.....

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

I want new babies around too.